iStandardProducers Interview

This past month I was interviewed by iStandardProducers.com for their Member i.D. section. Click on the link below to check out the interview.

Here is the link: http://blog.istandardproducers.com/2009/06/malek-of-hitmakers-prod-june-2009-istandard-member-i-d/

Also, I just got back from my trip to Chicago so I will be putting up new stuff real soon.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

I've been in Wisconsin this past week for vacation and now I'm spending the weekend in Chicago and as I was on my way to the hotel I find out on Twitter that Michael Jackson was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center after being found not breathing in his home. It wasn't reported yet as to whether or not MJ was still alive but people were already twittering that he was gone. I was hopeful that he would pull through but then I found out about an hour later that it was true...the king of pop was gone.

I remember growing up listening to Michael Jackson and Madonna only, so for the majority of my childhood his music was the only music I really knew. All of this is really sad and I don't think it's really hit me that its real. "Thriller" was one of, if not the, best pop album ever released and MJ truly changed music forever.

I'm going to enjoy my weekend trip in Chicago and I will update everyone when I get back, but definitely make sure to listen to your favorite MJ song for the next few days.

The truth...Accept it

I once read this, and I think it is crucial for all musicians trying to make it in this industry to read:

"You might get your first job without a network on sheer academic credentials and well done interviews, but nearly every job after that will be because of your network. It may be in the form of a referral, suggestion from a peer, someone you meet through your first job dealings, etc... but in almost every case you will find the next opportunity through your network. With that said, your network will only recommend you if you continually show competence in the roles you take on because they will not recommend poor or average performers as it is their reputation at stake too." -Anonymous

If you plan on making it in this industry, make sure you aren't only working on the music side of things. That is only half of the struggle. The other half is the business. Do your research and learn the industry before trying to jump head first into something you have no idea about. I hope this helps anyone and everyone, even those that are not trying to make it in the music industry. Good luck to all.

The future of Sampling

Am I dreaming or is this for real? I might be a little late to this, but I stumbled upon this video and my jaw dropped seeing all the possibilities with this program. It shows how you can take a sample and divide chords from that sample into individual editable notes just like controlling sounds in MIDI. This is crazy! Check it out and let me know what you think.

Skyzoo's "Strung Out" Remix Contest

I took part in Coalmine Records and Skyzoo's "Strung Out" remix contest. I was in the top 5 for the original (non-sampled) entries, but unfortunately I was not chosen as the winning track. However, I still wanted to post this video because my track was reviewed in the video. I was going to post my remix of Skyzoo's "Strung Out" but I think I might keep the beat and try to get it placed. Shout out to Matt Diamond for the opportunity man. I appreciate it. Look out for me in future contests. We'll be doing business in the near future.

Also, if you want to jump right to my remix on the video, its at 6:54 or so!

Foundation Fridays (Part 8): The "Strung Out" Remix Challenge - Judging Panel from Coalmine Records on Vimeo.

'Stop' vs. 'Walk'

This weekend I went to San Francisco to visit my college roommate from freshman year and also crate dig, of course. We were on our way to one of our friends' place when I saw this sign. I thought it was real cool and decided to take a picture of it. If you look close enough you see that both the 'Stop' and 'Walk' signs are lit up at the same time. I know a lot of people don't really look into things too much, but I found this sign to be symbolic.

I just graduated from college with a bachelors degree in business law and have been struggling with what I am going to do with my life - do I go to law school, get a job, or focus on music. Obviously, for now, the first choice (law school) is ruled out because I would've had to apply back in November if I were attending law school in the fall. As for getting a job, luckily I have a job set up for the next year, which not too many fresh college grads can really say right now. I will be starting my job in late July or early August, so right now I feel I have two months to make something of my music and see what I can do this summer before I start working 9 to 5.

Music will always be with me and I know regardless of what I do I will always make music - it's just a matter of how much time I will be able to devote to it. So I leave you with this, if you had the choice to 'stop' or 'walk' your dream with no idea of the future, which would you do?